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Niederreiter and Donovan Named All-Stars

by
Staff Writer
/ New York Islanders

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers, in conjunction with the American Hockey League, announced today that forward Nino Niederreiter and defenseman Matt Donovan will represent the Sound Tigers at the 2013 Dunkin' Donuts AHL All-Star Classic in Providence, R.I. on Jan. 27-28.

Niederreiter, 20, earns his first All-Star appearance in his first full season in the American Hockey League. The Chur, SUI native leads the Sound Tigers in goals (19), assists (17), points (36), and power play goals (8). Niederreiter was selected by the New York Islanders in the first round (5th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Donovan, 22, makes his first AHL All-Star appearance after posting 19 points (six goals, 13 assists) in 37 games over the first half of the 2012-13 campaign. The Edmond, OK native recorded 45 points (10 goals, 35 assists) last season, earning him 2011-12 AHL All-Rookie First Team honors. Donovan was originally selected by the New York Islanders in the fourth round (96th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Each team comprises 24 players: 13 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders. Rosters were determined by committees of AHL coaches, and all 30 AHL teams are represented by at least one All-Star.

Luke Richardson of the Binghamton Senators and Jon Cooper of the Syracuse Crunch will coach the Eastern Conference All-Star team; Dallas Eakins of the Toronto Marlies and Jeff Daniels of the Charlotte Checkers will guide the Western Conference club.

Beginning Friday and until Jan. 24, fans will have the opportunity to vote for the starting lineups for the 2013 AHL All-Star Game by visiting facebook.com/theahl and completing the official CCM AHL All-Star Fan Ballot. Voters will also be entered to win prizes of a team-signed 2013 AHL All-Star stick (two) and team-signed 2013 AHL All-Star commemorative programs (10).